CSS Director Phillip Butterworth said the project is aimed at reducing network demand during peak periods, and the trial boundary extension is a positive step.

“It’s allowing more consumers to become part of the network trial which enables them to reduce their power consumption, and receive battery storage at a very much reduced price,” said Mr Butterworth.

The trial is a joint project of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, Essential Energy, Reposit Power, solar inverter supplier SMA Australia and the University of Technology Sydney.

How it works

Trial participants can obtain an upfront subsidy of up to $5,500 towards the installation of a battery storage system, and can participate in three ways by:

Installing battery storage only

Installing battery storage with an existing solar system

Installing battery storage (and a solar system at the participant’s own cost).

During the trial, participants will receive payments based on the level of network support their system provides. Participants will retain ownership of all batteries and inverters installed as part of the trial, after the trial concludes.

“The return on investment for those residents who take part is sensational,” added Mr Butterworth.

Trial participants will be based on a first in, first served basis and numbers are limited.